One of the most frequent causes why people abandon the follow-ups in my consultation is the recovery of the lost weight.
The reasons for this abandonment are many: feelings of guilt, shame, discouragement and sometimes even all those feelings at the once.
In my day to day I have learned to value constancy as a virtue that helps achieve all the goals that we propose to us. Along with perseverance, the ability to overcome setbacks, to fall, to get up and to continue the path that leads us to that goal, this is the key to success.
The processes of changing habits require work. They are not easy or difficult, that conception depends a lot on the approach of each person, but it does require an effort. On many occasions the road has many ups and downs.
On the other hand, our life does not reduce to just that process of change. There are times when circumstances force us to leave healthy eating on a second level. It has happened to all of us and it will continue to happen to us.
In this sense it seems to me that Maria’s video (Pretty and Olé blogger) is an example to follow.
When personal circumstances make food retreat to a “second level,” it is already the first step to be aware of it.
The fact that this happens does not turn the previous process into a failure. It should be considered a stop along the way, or a downer, but not a failure.
On many occasions this change of priorities is worthwhile, because it helps us achieve another project. I’m not saying it’s justified, but as Maria says: you do not have to repent if you manage to fulfill some other dream.
And finally, resume the process, get back up and walk the path of change.
It is worth listening to her in this sincere and optimistic video, which I think can be of help and example to all of us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRLHeey4Oy4
I usually encourage my patients not to abandon the follow-up consultations even if they believe that they do not advance or even regress. You can always reevaluate, change the focus and redirect the process.
Cristina Maldonado Araque, Endocrinology and Nutrition
